Australia’s teenage sensation Sam Konstas created a stir on Day 5 of the fourth Test at the MCG. Known for his lively antics, the 19-year-old debutant entertained the crowd with a cheeky dig at Indian superstar Virat Kohli.
Responding to a request from Australian fans, Konstas imitated the blow to Kohli’s shoulder in an earlier confrontation. The gesture delighted the local public, but the Indian fans were not so amused. The moment quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate and laughter on social media.
The incident that sparked the drama
The shoulder tap that Konstas mocked wasn’t just a playful joke: It had its roots in a heated exchange. During the first innings, Kohli walked towards Konstas and tapped him on the shoulder after the teenager played unorthodox shots against Jasprit Bumrah. Tempers flared and on-field umpire Usman Khawaja had to intervene to calm the situation.
The ICC fined Kohli 20% of his match fee and awarded him one demerit point for the incident. Unfortunately for Kohli, his on-field problems continued. On Day 5, he committed just five runs off 29 balls, edging out Mitchell Starc before lunch. This marked Kohli’s fourth single-digit score in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Konstas’ fiery start and ingenious comebacks
Konstas had already made headlines at the beginning of the match. On debut, he scored a brave 60 in the first innings, getting 18 runs off a single from Bumrah, his most expensive over in Test cricket. But Day 4 did not favor the young opener as Bumrah had the last laugh, dismissing Konstas for a single-digit score. Bumrah celebrated by urging the crowd to roar, adding another layer to the ongoing banter.
Konstas had no qualms about playing in the gallery on Day 5. Playing in close positions, he actively interacted with the fans and sledged the Indian batsmen, particularly Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Kohli’s form under scrutiny
Kohli’s recent struggles have fueled speculation about his future in Test cricket. However, former India coach Ravi Shastri dismissed the retirement rumours. Speaking on Star Sports, Shastri backed Kohli to continue for a few more years.
“I think Virat Kohli will play. Forget how it turned out today. He will play three or four more years,” Shastri said.
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